Upgraded Scheme Assists Bathroom Retailers
16/11/2009 | Water efficiency and energy efficiency are the buzz words in the bathroom industry at the moment and Mr. and Mrs. Average are becoming increasingly aware of the need to save our precious resources. When they are contemplating refurbishing their bathroom they are looking to install bathroom products which are eco-efficient as a way to help reduce their ever increasing utility bills. But where they do look for the best advice on what is available? The Bathroom Manufacturers Association, which represents over 70 of the UK's biggest bathroom brands, recently announced the total upgrading of its Water Efficient Product Labelling Scheme. The scheme, which is web based and easily accessible, has seen a major makeover and is now easier than ever to use by both consumers and industry professionals. Almost 700 water saving products are listed in the scheme which covers categories such as WC suites, showers, and taps, amongst others. Users of the new website at www.water-efficiencylabel.org.uk can look for their dream bathroom, create a shopping list and then search for their local stockist, on line. Downloadable fact sheets and technical details (which can be used for support when applying for planning permission) and an on-line water calculator enhance the scheme's usability. Links to manufacturers websites, scheme partners and even government sites add to the knowledge base which the website creates. Bathroom retailers, builders merchants and DIY stores are now being encouraged to sign up to the scheme and to have their showroom listed in the database of stockists. Point of sale material has been designed specifically for showroom window and product displays. Manufacturers have started applying the easy-to-understand product label which is roughly based on the familiar energy labels found on white goods. Yvonne Orgill, chief executive of the BMA comments "we are really excited about the recent developments with the scheme. Modern bathroom suites have come a long way in recent years and the latest designs have water and energy efficiency built in. This scheme shows only products which meet the strict efficiency criteria laid down by industry experts. It is a great opportunity for bathroom retailers to use the scheme as a marketing tool, to get one step ahead of the competition and show a lead in the drive for water efficiency".